Council Cat unofficial member of District 1's staff

By Vincent T. Davis, San Antonio Express-News

Published 10:38 am, Tuesday, May 6, 2014

SAN ANTONIO — He's sleek, saunters and is rarely silent. He breaks the tension at serious meetings by sprawling on the table, meowing for a rub. And when the light is right, fine, silver tips highlight his black fur.

His name is Council Cat, an unofficial staff member of City Council District 1. Staff said the feline is a living reminder of Councilman Diego Bernal's message for pet owners to take advantage of free spay/neuter and vaccination services offered by the city. The staff decided to adopt him from Animal Care Services after sponsoring a pet clinic at their office weeks ago.

Bernal feigned disinterest when the cat arrived during a recent meeting, but he admits he likes their adoptee.

“It's one of our small ways we can give back,” Bernal said. “As an office, we get to practice what we preach. We're trying to do as many things as possible to show people that we're serious about the things we talk and care about.”

The cat's at home in the district office at 1310 Vance Jackson, stopping at each room in the converted fire station. He's not a drain on taxpayers funds since staff members pay for his needs. They alternate weeks and weekend shifts to make sure he's fed and cared for.